13 Best Digital Nomad Visa Programs (And How To Apply)
When Estonia announced the first official digital nomad visa in 2020, the rest of the world took notice: the age of the digital nomad was here, and countries began to consider the benefits of launching their own versions of this visa.
There are plenty of digital nomad visas in the works for countries around the world – popular digital nomad destinations around the world like Indonesia, Thailand, and Mexico have all announced that their digital nomad visa programs are almost ready.
Within a few years, it may be more challenging to find a country that DOESN’T cater to this growing population of global workers.
As we wait for these highly-anticipated digital nomad visa programs to launch, check out our guide to some of the best digital nomad visas you can apply for right now.
We’ve filled this guide with details about who can apply, how to send your application and all the associated costs and important details to keep in mind. Maybe your next digital nomad destination is closer than you think.
Digital Nomad Visa
What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa is a specialized visa designed for remote workers or digital nomads, designed to attract them to live and work for an extended period of time in the country that issues the visa.
A relatively new concept launched in earnest with the increase of remote work as a result of the pandemic, dozens of countries now offer their own versions of a digital nomad visa to attract these workers to spend time working remotely within their borders.
Without a digital nomad visa, most digital nomads travel and stay in a country with nothing more than a tourist visa. For the most part, this is actually illegal, though challenging to prove when your work is from behind a computer screen.
What Are the Characteristics of a Digital Nomad Visa?
While each digital nomad visa is different, many are similar in their requirements and stipulations, and the benefits they offer visa holders.
Most visa holders are allowed to stay for about a year in the country, and some visas offer the opportunity for subsequent renewals.
Additionally, most visa holders don’t have to pay income tax on the income earned while working remotely. Almost all digital nomad visas also allow nomad to bring their spouse and dependent children.
Nearly all digital nomad visas require documentation about the nature of the work performed remotely – and many have minimum monthly or annual income requirements, prohibit nomad from hiring local workers, and do not offer an eventual path to permanent residency or citizenship.
How Much Does a Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
Digital nomad visas vary in cost – some are free (the tiny island nation of Mauritius!) and some can cost over $1,000. However, most digital nomad visas cost somewhere between $200-$500 USD.
Which Countries Are Offering a Digital Nomad Visa?
As of this writing (July 2022), there are just 24 countries that have digital nomad visa programs. However, dozens more have been announced and are in the works, and we await programs from countries like Indonesia, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Colombia, and others.
It’s important to remember that not all countries specifically call their digital nomad visa programs “digital nomad visas.” Many have unique names and try to highlight how remote workers, retirees, and even students can take advantage of the terms of these visa programs.
Best Digital Nomad Visas
1. Croatia
Long a favorite European digital nomad destination, especially for those looking to reset their 90-day Schengen Area stay, Croatia’s introduction of its own form of digital nomad visa was widely celebrated and has lived up to the hype.
While technically not termed as a digital nomad visa, rather, a form of a temporary residency permit, the Croatian “digital nomad visa” allows holders to spend up to one year in the country, with the potential to renew the visa after it expires.
There is much to be gained from this visa for remote workers and long-term travelers. However, Croatia has so much to offer any visitor than just convenient residency policies.
Visitors can explore medieval cities, castles, and fortresses, island-hop along the stunning coastline, and enjoy delicious Croatian food. You could easily settle down on a Croatian island like Hvar or Korcula, or choose a larger city like the capital of Zagreb.
The large digital nomad communities, plus expats and long-term travelers, means you’ll find it easy to make friends here, no matter where you find yourself in the country.
Proximity to other Mediterranean hotspots and excellent transportation connectivity make travel throughout Europe a breeze – and relatively inexpensive.
You can apply for the Croatian digital nomad visa online, at certain police stations in Croatia, or at a Croatian embassy or consulate abroad. While not a path to permanent residency or citizenship, this digital nomad visa should be on your shortlist.
- Cost of Visa: Around $150 USD (in Croatian kuna).
- Duration of Visa: Up to 1 year, with a potential to reapply after spending 3 months out of Croatia.
- Income Requirement: Around $2,400 USD (in Croatian kuna) per month, or around $29,000 in savings.
2. Malta
Malta’s recent introduction of the “Nomad Residency Permit” for non-European Union citizens put this dreamy Mediterranean island on the map as a digital nomad hotspot worth considering.
Located between Italy and the northern coast of Africa, the country of Malta is composed of several small islands at a crossroads of cultures, well known for perfectly warm and sunny weather year-round. Well connected for travel, this is a fantastic, central location from which to explore the region.
Despite being a small island country, Malta has high-speed internet that is perfect for digital nomads, as well as a handful of coworking spaces and great cafes to work from.
Its relatively low cost of living compared to other European destinations (budget around €1500 per month) is also a welcomed treat for nomads on a budget.
The application is quite straightforward, with a timeframe of 30 days to receive your response. Spouses and dependent family members are able to join.
- Cost of Visa: €300 per each applicant or dependent family member
- Duration of Visa: 1 year with the potential for renewals for 3 years
- Income Requirement: €2,700 per month per applicant, plus 20% of the median wage for each dependent family member
3. United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
Dubai’s introduction of a digital nomad visa seems to be a perfect fit for a city that aspires to be on the cutting edge of business and work trends. One of the few digital nomad visas in the Middle East, it’s one to consider as a digital nomad.
The Dubai remote work visa requires one of the highest minimum income thresholds of any digital nomad visa out there today.
When coupled with Dubai’s high cost of living, it just isn’t an option for many digital nomads. However, it offers a great opportunity for those looking to work remotely from a major business and finance global hub.
This city is built for digital nomad life, with countless coworking spaces and cool restaurants and cafes to work from across the city, all with blazing-fast internet. There’s plenty to do in the city, or take a day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai for even more options.
You’ll have to contend with the heat of the summer, but you’ll be rewarded with an incredible opportunity in an unforgettable city.
- Cost of Visa: around $600 USD
- Duration of Visa: 1 year, with options to reapply
- Income Requirement: $5,000 USD per month
4. Estonia
Estonia was the first country to introduce a visa specifically and explicitly for digital nomads, quickly putting itself on the map as a digital nomad hub in Europe.
Today you’ll find countless digital nomads that flock here, mostly to the capital city of Tallinn, making for an incredible atmosphere and great opportunities for remote workers.
Wedged between Russia and Scandinavia with a long coastline on the Baltic Sea, Estonia is home to medieval cities, vast forests, quaint cafes, and modern amenities that make it the perfect destination to spend several months calling home.
Summer is by far a favorite time to visit, but if you’re interested in spending some time here in the winter, you’ll certainly feel like you’re living in a winter wonderland while in Estonia.
Estonia offers two forms of the digital nomad visa: the C-Visa, called the short stay visa, and the D-Visa, called the long stay visa. The C-Visa is available for up to three months of residence in the country, while the D-Visa allows for a full year of residency.
To apply, you’ll fill in an application form online, then make an appointment at your Estonian embassy or consulate. Applications are reviewed within just 30 days, and the process is quite straightforward.
- Cost of Visa: €80 (C-Visa) or €100 (D-Visa)
- Duration of Visa: 3 months (C-Visa) or 1 year (D-Visa)
- Income Requirement: €3,500 per month, for at least 6 months prior to application
5. Dominica
A favorite digital nomad hotspot in the Caribbean, Dominica is a clear favorite if you’re looking for perfect weather year-round and dream of working on your laptop on the beach.
Part of the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean, Dominica is one of the best underrated Caribbean islands – you won’t be overrun with tourists or cruise ships here!
Dominica introduced its “Work In Nature” visa for digital nomads in spring of 2021 as a way to attract the new remote workers still stuck at home due to the pandemic to the beautiful weather and natural beauty of the island.
Work in nature is a perfect way to term the visa, as the country is well known as a destination for soaring volcanoes, lush forests, waterfalls, and endless adventure sports and activities.
Visa holders can enjoy up to 18 months here, and as one of the Caribbean islands with a lower cost of living, it might be the perfect option for nomads on a budget.
Completed entirely online, the visa is one of the easiest digital nomad visas to apply for, and you can expect an answer in 30 days or less.
- Cost of Visa: $100 application fee, plus $800 visa fee for an individual or $1,200 for a family
- Duration of Visa: 18 months
- Income Requirement: at least $50,000 USD per year
6. Barbados
One of the first countries to launch a program designed to attract digital nomads in the wake of the pandemic, Barbados introduced the Welcome Stamp program to incredible success. It maintains its spot as one of the best digital nomad programs in the world, perfect for travelers looking to work from paradise.
As a remote work destination, Barbados provides digital nomads with an incredible quality of life. Think snorkeling, pristine beaches, hiking trails, and plenty of expats and travelers in tight-knit communities.
If you’re willing to live like a local, you’ll find the cost of living relatively affordable, though you could easily blow your budget here with a waterfront villa and expensive meals if you’re not careful
With an application that is entirely online and promises an answer in just seven days, the visa is one of the easiest digital nomad visas to apply for.
It’s also one of the most expensive: the visas costs $2000 per individual or $3000 per family. However, it remains a great and easy choice for those that meet the visa program requirements.
- Cost of Visa: $2000 per individual or $3000 per family, if approved
- Duration of Visa: 1 year
- Income Requirement: minimum annual income of $50,000
7. Mauritius
With the sole digital nomad visa currently available in Africa, Mauritius is a must for digital nomads looking for a unique cultural experience, while experiencing some of the most beautiful beaches and perfect weather you can imagine.
A chain of islands in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Madagascar, Mauritius has long been known as a resort destination for the rich and famous.
However, it has plenty to offer nomads, with good internet speeds and connectivity, and a good selection of coworking spaces and cafes to work from, with more and more remote workers joining all the time.
If you travel frequently, Mauritius may not be the destination for you – it’s quite remote and difficult to reach. However, if you’re looking to relax and kick back on the beach, don’t count this out as one of the best up-and-coming digital nomad destinations.
Known as the Premium Visa, the Mauritius digital nomad visa is free to apply for, and the application is completed entirely online. You’ll receive an answer in about 48 hours. Hands down, this is the easiest digital nomad visa to apply for, and one worth adding to your shortlist.
- Cost of Visa: Free
- Duration of Visa: 12 months, with the opportunity to extend for 3 additional months
- Income Requirement: $1500 per month, and an additional $500 per month per dependent family member
8. Greece
When Greece issued its own digital nomad visa in September of 2021, the digital nomad world celebrated one of the most long-awaited digital nomad visas, in this bucket list travel destination.
With a duration of 2 years or more and a relatively painless application process, the Greek digital nomad visa is already seeing record applications.
The beauty, charm, and history of Greece are world-renowned, and when combined with the friendly people, delicious food, and travel potential the country is well known for, it’s no wonder Greece is the new place to be as a digital nomad.
Plenty of digital nomads base themselves in Athens for the convenience the city has to offer, including good internet speeds, transport, and access to quick international flights. Plus, there are countless landmarks and attractions in Athens to keep you busy for weeks.
However, you’ll find most nomads like to spend at least part of their time in Greece island-hopping, making the most of the beaches, exploring ruins, and disconnecting.
There are so many destinations in Greece you’ll want to add to your itinerary, you’ll need to max out those two years of visa validity!
While the application requires a trip to your local Greek embassy or consulate – or the Ministry of Migration for travelers already in Greece – the application only costs €75 and receives a decision in just 10 working days. If you haven’t started planning your time in Greece yet, now is the time to start!
- Cost of Visa: €75
- Duration of Visa: 2 years, with the potential for subsequent renewals
- Income Requirement: €3,500 per applicant, plus 20% per dependent spouse and 15% per dependent child.
9. Curacao
With stunning beaches, some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world, and a colorful, lively capital city, it’s hard to imagine someone who wouldn’t want to spend time living and working in Curacao.
Located off of the coast of Venezuela and wedged between Aruba and Bonaire, Curacao has a lot to offer digital nomads, including a great work-life balance and a brand new digital nomad visa program.
Called the @Home in Curacao Visa, this program has already done wonders to attract a growing number of remote workers to this beautiful island.
It’s important to keep in mind that Curacao has a relatively high cost of living, as almost everything needs to be imported to the island, though you can find budget options for rent if you’re willing to look for them.
Another downside? Curacao is rather remote, which means travel can be a bit more expensive and flights longer.
If you’re a digital nomad on a budget, you’ll be interested to learn that the @Home in Curacao Visa program has no minimum income requirement. Applications are completed online, whether you’re already in Curacao or in another country, and response time is quick.
- Cost of Visa: $300 per applicant
- Duration of Visa: 6 months, with the option for a renewal for another 6 months
- Income Requirement: No minimum income requirement
10. Bahamas
If Curacao doesn’t seem like a good fit, but you’re still dreaming of that sunny Caribbean weather, consider the Bahamas! Their digital nomad visa, called the Bahamas Extended Access Travel Stay (BEATS), allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to a year, and with no minimum income requirement.
No matter what you’re looking for as a digital nomad, you’re bound to find it in the Bahamas. You can enjoy city life and coworking environments in major cities like Nassau or Freeport, or head to some of the smaller and more remote islands if you’re looking forward to getting off the grid – as much as you can while working remotely, that is.
One major benefit of working from the Bahamas is its proximity to the United States – in about an hour by plane you can be back in the States, a major plus for U.S. digital nomads or those who need to travel in the area for work.
Like Curacao, the Bahamas can have a relatively high cost of living, though if you’re willing to live like a local you can find some excellent deals on food, apartments, and entertainment.
With a simple online visa application, low application fee of just $25 and no minimum income requirement, the digital nomad visa of the Bahamas is a definite contender for one of the easiest to obtain.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll see why many visa holders are already considering extending their stay.
- Cost of Visa: $25 application fee, plus $1,000 visa fee per applicant, and $500 visa fee for each dependent
- Duration of Visa: 12 months, with renewals for up to 3 years
- Income Requirement: No minimum income requirements
11. Colombia
One of the newest digital nomad visa options out there for remote workers is the digital nomad visa to Colombia. Medellin is a hotspot for digital nomads in Latin America, so this digital nomad visa has been eagerly expected and looks forward to plenty of applicants after its late October 2022 launch.
Colombia’s digital nomad visa makes it easier than ever to call this unique and diverse nation home for up to two years. Whether you’re looking for a tiny beach town on the Caribbean coast or prefer a city with all its hustle and bustle, there are plenty of places to set up shop in Colombia. You’ll enjoy world-class trekking opportunities, adventure sports, historic architecture, low-cost Spanish classes, and incredibly warm, friendly people.
Colombia’s digital nomad visa also has one of the lowest monthly income requirements of any digital nomad visa currently available. Applicants need to show they make three times the local minimum wage every month – you’ll need to show just $615 USD of monthly income to qualify.
Applications can be completed online, and applicants should expect an answer to their visa application within just 30 working days. It’s a straightforward and easy application process!
Add this digital nomad visa program to your shortlist, especially if you’re getting started as an entrepreneur and still not earning much – what do you have to lose?
- Cost of Visa: Application fee of $52, visa fee of $170
- Duration of Visa: 2 years
- Income Requirement: around $615 per month (at least 3,000,000 Colombian pesos)
12. Portugal
While digital nomads have flocked to the country for years, mostly using Portugal’s D7 visa originally designed for retirees and other passive income earners, Portugal’s new dedicated digital nomad makes it easier than ever for remote workers to settle in this enchanting European nation.
There are so many reasons to love Portugal as a digital nomad. Great weather, surfing, busy cities and charming beach towns, cheap flights and trains throughout the rest of Europe… the list goes on and on.
Whether you’re headed to digital nomad hotspots like Porto or Lisbon or beach towns like Ericeira, you’ll find fast internet speeds, great community, coworking spaces, and plenty of opportunity.
Applications can be made at any Portuguese embassy or consulate, or with Portugal’s agency for immigration services, the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras. While these new digital nomad visas are estimated to can take between three to four months to approve, you’re on your way to up to three years of residency in this digital nomad paradise.
- Cost of Visa: €180 per applicant
- Duration of Visa: 1 year, with options of renewal for 2 years
- Income Requirement: around $2,820 per month (four times Portugal’s minimum monthly wage of €705)
13. Panama
If you’re looking to spend time as a digital nomad in Latin America, Panama is one of your best options, and one of the few countries in Latin America with a devoted digital nomad visa program.
With its year-round fantastic weather, Panama is a dream-like destination for travelers and nomads.
You’ll find an excellent mix of beach destinations, tropical rainforests, bustling cities, and quaint towns here to choose from as a home base while working as a nomad through Panama’s Short Stay for Remote Workers visa.
As a remote worker that needs to work in a timezone similar to the United States or Canada, Panama is a perfect destination to choose. The bustling capital of Panama City is also a travel hub across the Americas, meaning you can expect cheap and frequent flights.
When applying for this straightforward visa, you can expect an answer within 30 days, and are able to apply for a renewal to extend your stay for up to 18 months.
- Cost of Visa: $250 application fee, plus $50 fee for a visa issuance card
- Duration of Visa: 9 months, with the opportunity to renew for an additional 9 months
- Income Requirement: minimum annual income of $36,000 USD